Vacuum cleaner docking station

ABSTRACT

A vacuum cleaner docking station is disclosed, the vacuum cleaner docking station includes a vacuum cleaner separator and a dock. The vacuum cleaner separator is operable to separate debris from a suction airflow. The vacuum cleaner separator includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, and a debris collector having a debris outlet. The vacuum cleaner separator is removably coupled to the dock. The dock includes an airflow source operable to generate an airflow. The dock further includes a dock debris collector and an airflow outlet in fluid communication with the airflow source such that the airflow generated by the airflow source is discharged from the airflow source through the airflow outlet. Airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the vacuum cleaner separator and through the debris outlet of vacuum cleaner to blow debris out of the debris outlet and into the dock debris collector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/159,715, filed Mar. 11, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to docking stations, and more particularly to docking stations for vacuum cleaners.

BACKGROUND

Vacuum docking systems include docks that are typically used to store and charge floor cleaners. Hand vacuums are used either by themselves or with a connected wand and foot such that the hand vacuum functions as a stick vacuum. The hand vacuum may be removable from the wand, and thus the foot, to function as a hand vacuum separated from the wand and thus the foot. Finally, hand vacuums or vacuums other than hand vacuums may include dust cups that are removable from the rest of the vacuum, for example, for cleaning or emptying debris from the dust cup.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a vacuum cleaner docking station includes a vacuum cleaner separator and a dock. The vacuum cleaner separator is operable to separate debris from a suction airflow. The vacuum cleaner separator includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, and a debris collector having a debris outlet. The vacuum cleaner separator is removably coupled to the dock. The dock includes an airflow source operable to generate an airflow, an airflow outlet in fluid communication with the airflow source such that the airflow generated by the airflow source is discharged from the airflow source through the airflow outlet, and a dock debris collector. The vacuum cleaner separator is configured to be coupled to the dock with the vacuum cleaner separator in fluid communication with the airflow outlet of the dock and the debris outlet of the vacuum cleaner in fluid communication with the dock debris collector such that the airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the vacuum cleaner separator and through the debris outlet of the vacuum cleaner separator to blow debris out of the debris outlet and into the dock debris collector

In another embodiment, a vacuum cleaner docking station is operated by a user, the vacuum cleaner docking station includes a vacuum cleaner operable to separate debris from a suction airflow. The vacuum cleaner includes a first sidewall that faces in a direction away from the user and away from a floor in a normal in-use vacuuming position of the vacuum cleaner. A second sidewall faces in a direction toward the user and toward the floor in the normal in-use vacuuming position of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner further includes a debris collector having a debris outlet. A dock is configured to receive and store the vacuum cleaner in a docked position, the dock including a dock debris collector, and in the docked position the dock is configured to selectively couple the dock debris collector and the debris collector of the vacuum cleaner such that the dock debris collector receives debris separated by the vacuum cleaner from the debris outlet of the debris collector of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock. The vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock by the user with the second sidewall facing in a direction toward the user and the first side wall faces in a direction away from the user.

In another embodiment a vacuum cleaner docking station includes a vacuum cleaner separator, the vacuum cleaner separator operable to separate debris from a suction airflow, the vacuum cleaner separator having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall. The vacuum cleaner docking station further includes a dock, the vacuum cleaner separator removably coupled to the dock, the dock including, a first sidewall configured to face a reference plane, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall and configured to face a user. In regular use of the vacuum cleaner separator, the vacuum cleaner separator is advanced in an advancing direction extending away from the first sidewall of the vacuum cleaner separator. The vacuum cleaner separator is configured to be coupled to the dock with the vacuum cleaner separator in fluid communication with the dock and with the first sidewall of the vacuum cleaner adjacent the first sidewall of the dock and the second sidewall of the vacuum cleaner adjacent the second sidewall of the dock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a docking station system having a vacuum assembly disposed from a dock in accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the docking station system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the docking station system of FIG. 1 with the vacuum assembly connected to the dock.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of an actuator of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 3 taken along section line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the docking station system of FIG. 3 with the section taken through a separator of the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a docking station system in accordance with a second embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the docking station system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross section view of the docking station system of FIG. 7 with the section taken through a separator of the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner for use in a docking station system in accordance with a third embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the docking station system including the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the docking station system taken along section line 11-11 in FIG. 10 and showing a valve in a closed position.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the docking station system taken along section line 11-11 in FIG. 10 and showing the valve in an aligned position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a dock for use in a docking station system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the docking station system including the dock of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the docking station system of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a dock for use in a docking station system in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the docking station system including the dock of FIG. 16 with a lid of the dock in an open position.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the docking station system including the dock of FIG. 16 with the lid of the dock in a closed position.

FIG. 19 is partial cross sectional side view of the docking station system of FIG. 16 with the section taken through a separator of a dust bin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner docking station 100. The docking station 100 includes a dock 108 configured to receive a vacuum cleaner 104 and discharge dirt and debris contained inside the vacuum cleaner 104 into the dock 108. In the first embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 104 is a hand vacuum 104A. The hand vacuum 104A may be replaced by a stick or other type of vacuum. The vacuum cleaner 104 may also be other types of vacuums 104B, 104C including a wand 112 and a foot 116, or a vacuum cleaner separator 104D, 104E removed from a vacuum cleaner. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner 104 defines a longitudinal axis LA extending therethrough. In each embodiment of the docking station 100, the vacuum cleaner 104 is operable to be connected with the dock 108 to be placed in fluid communication with the dock 108. The dock 108 includes an airflow source 120 configured to impart fluid flow through both the dock 108 and the vacuum cleaner 104, as will be discussed in detail with various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the airflow source 120 includes a blower such as a centrifugal fan, axial fan, or other fan arrangement.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the vacuum 104A includes a vacuum separator 132 having a dirty air inlet 124 (FIG. 5) configured to receive dirty air. The vacuum separator 132 is configured to separate dirty air from debris during use of the vacuum cleaner. A debris outlet 128 is operable to be opened to remove debris from the vacuum separator 132 after use of the vacuum cleaner. The debris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to the dirty air inlet 124. The vacuum separator 132 can be, for example and without limitation, a cyclonic separator or a filter. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the vacuum separator 132 of the vacuum 104A is a cyclonic separator with a shroud 133. With continued reference to FIG. 5, the vacuum 104A further includes a body 106 housing a motor 136 and an impeller 140 connected to the motor 136 for rotation therewith. The impeller 140 generates an airflow in the vacuum 104A when the motor 136 is rotated to draw air from the vacuum cleaner inlet 114 through the separator 132 coupled to the body to a vacuum exhaust port 220. The motor 136 is powered by a battery 144. The vacuum separator 132 further includes a clean air outlet 130 adjacent the impeller 140.

During normal operation of the vacuum 104A, electric power is transmitted from the battery 144 to the motor 136 for rotating the impeller 140 and generating an airflow within the vacuum 104A. During normal operation of the vacuum 104A, the vacuum 104A is not connected to the dock 108. The dirty air inlet 124 functions as an inlet to receive dirty air and debris. Further, the separator dirty air inlet 124 passes the dirty air and debris from the vacuum cleaner inlet 114 to the separator 132. The separator 132 separates the debris from the clean air. The debris is retained in the separator 132 and falls into a debris collector 148. The clean air passes through the separator 132 through the shroud 133 and is exhausted from the vacuum 104A through the clean air outlet 130 and ultimately the vacuum exhaust port 220.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the debris collector 148 includes a dust bin door 152. The dust bin door 152 is pivotably connected to the debris collector 148 by a hinge 154. An operator can open the dust bin door 152 by pivoting the dust bin door 152 relative to the debris collector 148 to empty collected debris within the debris collector 148. The dust bin door 152 includes a latch 156 that connects the dust bin door 152 to the debris collector 148 to retain debris in the debris collector 148 (FIG. 4) when a user is not emptying the debris collector 148. The other embodiments of the docking station 100 and the vacuum cleaner 104 may include a dust bin door 152 similar to that described with respect to the first embodiment and the vacuum cleaner 104A.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the vacuum 104A may include an identifier 160 unique to a characteristic of the vacuum 104A. In the illustrated embodiment, the characteristic of the vacuum 104A is an identifier 160 specific to the type or model of the vacuum 104A. The identifier 160 may be, for example, and without limitation, a physical identifier 160 such as a bar code or geometric shape, or a software identifier 160 such as a unique signal. The identifier 160 may be positioned on an exterior portion of the vacuum 104A so to be readily accessible by either a user or the dock 108. In the case of a software or signal identifier 160, a vacuum contact 164 is provided on the vacuum 104A. The vacuum contact 164 is configured to engage and electrically connect to another contact. The contact 164 is operable to transfer electricity to and from the vacuum 104A. The electricity transferred through the vacuum contact 164 may be related to the identifier 160, for powering the battery 144, both, or another electrical function of the vacuum 104A. Optionally, the vacuum 104A includes a controller 168. Among other functions, the controller 168 is operable to send a signal identifier 160 through the vacuum contact 164.

With reference to FIG. 5, the dock 108 includes a dock housing 172 that surrounds each of the components of the dock 108. The dock 108 further includes the blower 120 and a blower duct 176 having an inlet 176A in fluid communication with the blower 120 and an outlet 176B. The outlet 176B functions as an airflow outlet 176B in fluid communication with the airflow source 120 such that the airflow generated by the airflow source 120 is discharged from the airflow source 120 through the airflow outlet 176B. The dock 108 includes a return duct 180. Considering the dock 108 by itself, in the illustrated embodiment, the return duct 180 is not in fluid communication with the blower duct 176 such that when the blower 120 is operated and the vacuum 104 is not connected to the dock, airflow from the blower 120 is exhausted by the outlet 176B to the surroundings. The return duct 180 includes an inlet 180A and an outlet 180B (FIG. 3). The dock 108 further includes an exhaust opening 184 in fluid communication with the return duct 180. The exhaust opening 184 is located adjacent the outlet 180B of the return duct 180. The dock 108 includes a dock debris collector 188 located between the return duct 180 and the exhaust outlet 180. The illustrated dock debris collector 188 is a filter bag, such as a vacuum cleaner filter bag, but may be, for example and without limitation, a cyclonic or non-cyclonic separator or a filter.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and FIG. 4, the return duct 180 may include an actuator 192 that pivotably opens the dust bin door 152 upon connection of the vacuum 104A to the dock 108. Thus, upon connection of the vacuum 104A to the dock 108, fluid may pass through the vacuum 104A from the dirty air inlet 124, through the separator 132, and through the debris outlet 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 192 is in the form of a protrusion on the interior periphery of the return duct 180 adjacent the inlet 180A of the return duct 180. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 192 rotates the latch 156 to an open position, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the dust bin door 152 freely pivots away from the debris collector 148 or is pushed open by the airflow from the blower 120. Other such actuators 192 on the dock 108 or on the vacuum 104A may otherwise open the dust bin door 152 upon connection of the vacuum 104A to the dock 108. In one embodiment, the dock 108 activates an actuator disposed on the vacuum (not shown) that moves the latch 156. In one embodiment, the actuator is electrically or pneumatically activated with blower operation. With the dust bin door 152 open, the debris collector 148 of the vacuum 104A opens into the return duct 180.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the dock 108 includes a seal 196 adjacent the inlet end 180A of the return duct 180. The seal 196 circumscribes the inlet end 180A of the return duct 180 for engaging outer walls of the debris collector 148. As such, the seal 196 directs air and debris into the dock debris collector 188. In the vacuum 104A, the opening formed by the open dust bin door 152 forms the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum 104A.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the vacuum 104A is configured to be connected to the dock 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum 104A is translated into engagement with the dock 108. The vacuum 104A is aligned with and connects the vacuum cleaner inlet 114 with the blower duct outlet 176B. The debris outlet 128 of the vacuum 104A is aligned with and connects with the return duct inlet 180A. Upon connection of the vacuum 104A to the dock 108, the actuator 192 opens the dust bin door 152. The seal 196 engages outer walls of the debris collector 148. As such, the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is configured to be coupled to the dock 108 with the vacuum cleaner separator 132 in fluid communication with the airflow outlet 176B of the dock 108 and the debris outlet 128 of the separator 132 in fluid communication with the dock debris collector 188 such that the airflow generated by the airflow source 120 of the dock 108 travels through the vacuum cleaner separator 132 and through the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 to blow debris out of the debris outlet 128 and into the dock debris collector 188.

The dock 108 may include a sensor 200 that determines that the vacuum 104A is connected to the dock 108. The sensor 200 may be in the form of a sensor or a mechanical switch. As will be described in detail below, the sensor 200 may be a user-activatable switch. Additionally or alternatively, the dock 108 may further include a pressure sensor 204. The pressure sensor 204 is mounted to be in operative communication with the blower duct 176. The pressure sensor 204 monitors a pressure within the blower duct 176.

The dock 108 may further include a dock controller 208 operable to electrically communicate with the dock sensors 200, 204 and the blower 120. The dock 108 may further comprise a dock contact 212 connected to the dock controller 208 operable to electrically communicate with the vacuum 104A through the vacuum contact 164 when the dock 108 is connected to the vacuum 104A. In one embodiment, the dock contact 212 is operable to electrically communicate with the dock sensors 200, 204. In the first embodiment of the docking station 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3, the dock contact 212 is located adjacent the outlet end 176B of the blower duct 176. As such, the dock contact 212 is configured to operatively engage the vacuum contact 164 when the vacuum 104A and the dock 108 are connected.

In one embodiment, when the vacuum 104A is connected to the dock 108, the dock controller 208 determines from sensor 200 that the vacuum is connected and the dock controller 208 operates the blower 120 for a predetermined period of time to empty the debris collector 148 of the vacuum 104A, for example, for a period of 5 or 10 or 15 or 30 seconds or another desired duration. In one embodiment, the duration of blower operation may be determined by the type or model of vacuum attached to the dock 108. In one example, when the vacuum 104A is connected to the dock 108, the vacuum contact 164 and the dock contact 212 are mechanically and electrically connected and operable to transfer electricity between the vacuum 104A and the dock 108. When the vacuum 104A is connected to the dock 108, the vacuum controller 168 sends a signal to the dock controller 208 through the dock contact 212, the signal indicative of the type of vacuum 104A or another characteristic. The controller 208 receives the signal indicative of the characteristic. And, based on the signal indicative of the characteristic of the vacuum 104A, the controller 208 operates the blower 120 for a predetermined period of time. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 208 may operate the blower 120, for example, for a period of 5 or 10 or 15 or 30 seconds or another desired duration. Alternatively, the controller 208 may operate the blower 120 to operate in a pulse-like fashion by delivering airflow that increases and decreases for a period of time. Alternatively, the controller 208 may operate the blower 120 such that power sent to the motor is received in a pulse-like fashion that increases and decreases for a period of time.

In one embodiment, the sensor is a user-activatable switch operable to turn the blower 120 on and off. In another embodiment, the user-activatable switch activates the dock controller 208 to operate the blower 120 for a predetermined period after which the controller 208 turns off the blower.

The dock controller 208 monitors a signal from the pressure sensor 204 indicative of the pressure within the blower duct 176 and determines if the pressure within the blower duct 176 is outside of a predetermined range. Variations in the pressure are indicative of the operation of the docking station 100, and pressures outside of a predetermined range may indicate a fault, for example, if the dust bin door 152 is closed, if the dock debris collector 188 is clogged, or if airflow is otherwise blocked. In one embodiment, the dock controller 208 operates the blower 120 to empty the debris collector 148 for a duration that is a function of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 204.

The dock controller 208 may also monitor for signals from the sensor 200 indicative of when the connection between the vacuum 104A and the dock 108 is made. The sensor 200, the pressure sensor 204, and the vacuum controller 168, are configured to send a signal indicative of a characteristic to the dock controller 208.

In one embodiment, the vacuum controller 168 controls the operation of the dock 108. In such an embodiment, the vacuum controller 168 monitors for signals from the sensor 200 indicative of when the connection between the vacuum 104A and the dock 108 is made and sends a signal to operate the blower 120 through the vacuum contact 164 to the dock contact 212 to the controller 208. The vacuum controller 168 also monitors for a signal from the pressure sensor 204 indicative of the pressure within the blower duct 176, and/or the dock controller 208 monitors the pressure sensor 204 and operatively signals to the vacuum controller 168.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the dock 108 is powered by a power source 216. The power source 216 may be a battery or household AC power. The power source 216 may directly or indirectly power the blower 120, the dock controller 208 and the sensors 200, 204. When the vacuum 104A is connected to the dock 108, the connection between the vacuum contact 164 and the dock contact 212 may electrically transfer power from the power source 216 of the dock 108 to the battery 144 of the vacuum 104A. As such, a user may charge the vacuum battery 144 by connection of the vacuum 104A to the dock 108 between the vacuum contact 164 and the dock contact 212. In one embodiment, such as illustrated in FIG. 6, the dock 108 is configured to receive additional batteries 144 or other accessories that are separate from the vacuum cleaner 104B. In this embodiment, the dock 108 is configured to charge the additional batteries 144 when the additional batteries 144 are connected to the dock 108. The dock 108 thus functions as a charging and storage station when the additional batteries 144 or other accessories are connected.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the vacuum 104A, and thus, the vacuum separator 132 is connected to the dock 108, the dirty air inlet 124 is fluidly connected to the outlet 176B of the blower duct 176. Similarly, when the vacuum 104A is connected to the dock 108, the debris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to the return duct 180. More specifically, the debris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to the inlet end 180A of the return duct 180. When the vacuum 104A is fluidly connected to the dock 108 and the blower 120 is operated, fluid flow from the blower 120 passes debris from the vacuum separator 132 to the dock debris collector 188 and fluid passes through the exhaust opening 184. When the blower 120 is operated, fluid flow from the blower 120 passes debris from the vacuum separator 132 to the dock debris collector 188.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 5 of the docking station 100 with the vacuum 104A, the flow of fluid from the blower 120 passes from the blower 120 into the blower duct 176, from the blower duct 176 into the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum separator 132, and through the vacuum separator 132. From the vacuum separator 132, fluid flow is passed through the debris outlet 128 and into the inlet 180A of the return duct 180. The fluid then passes through the dock debris collector 188 to the outlet 180B of the return duct 180 and through the exhaust opening 184 to the surroundings. If the vacuum separator 132 is a cyclonic separator, the airflow around the cyclonic separator 132 aids in wiping dust and debris from the shroud 133 of the vacuum separator 132.

Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the vacuum exhaust port 220 provides a flow path to exhaust air from the docking station 100 when the blower 120 is operated and the dock debris collector 188 is filled or clogged. Upon clogging of the dock debris collector 188, increased pressure in the dock debris collector 188 causes at least a portion of the fluid entering through inlet 124 to flow through the shroud 133 and outlet 130, and to be exhausted from the vacuum 104A through the vacuum exhaust port 220.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a second embodiment of the docking station 100 in which the vacuum cleaner 104 is a vacuum 104B including a wand 112 and a foot 116 having a suction inlet nozzle 118 (FIG. 7), and airflow is passed through both the foot 116 and the wand 112. Each of the second through fifth embodiments of the docking station 100 may include any of the features of the first embodiment of the docking station 100. In the second embodiment of the docking station 100, the vacuum 104B includes the vacuum separator 132 operable to separate debris from a suction airflow during use of the vacuum cleaner 104B. The vacuum separator 132 includes a dirty air inlet 124 (FIG. 8), a clean air outlet 130, and a debris collector 148 having a debris outlet 128. Some of the features of the first embodiment may be rearranged or modified for operation with the second embodiment and the vacuum 104B. For example, the docking station 100 in accordance with the second embodiment has a dock contact 212 which is located adjacent the foot 116 as opposed to the dock contact 212 of the first embodiment which is located adjacent the outlet end 176B of the blower duct 176.

The vacuum cleaner 104B includes the vacuum separator 132 having the dirty air inlet 124 and the debris outlet 128 as described above with reference to the vacuum cleaner 104A and the first embodiment of the docking station 100. The wand 112 has a first end 112A connected to the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum separator 132 and an opposite second end 112B. The foot 116 is connected to the second end 112B of the wand 112.

In the second embodiment of the docking station 100, the blower duct 176 is configured to deliver air to the vacuum cleaner 104B through the suction inlet nozzle 118 of the foot 116. When the vacuum cleaner 104B is connected to the dock 108, the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum separator 132 is connected to the outlet 176B of the blower duct 176 through the wand 112, and the debris outlet 128 is connected to the return duct 180. More specifically, the debris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to the inlet end 180A of the return duct 180. When the vacuum cleaner 104B is fluidly connected to the dock 108, fluid flow from the blower 120 passes debris from the debris collector 148 to the dock debris collector 188 and fluid passes through at least the exhaust opening 184.

During normal operation of the vacuum 104B, electric power is transmitted from the battery 144 to the motor 136 for rotating the impeller 140 and generating an airflow within the vacuum 104B. During normal operation of the vacuum 104B, the vacuum 104B is not connected to the dock 108. The suction inlet nozzle 118 (FIG. 7) of the foot 116 functions as an inlet to receive dirty air and debris and is in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 124 in the vacuum 124B. In the vacuum 104B, the opening formed by the open dust bin door 152 forms the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum 104B. Further, the separator dirty air inlet 124 passes the dirty air and debris from the foot 116 and the wand 112 to the separator 132. The separator 132 separates the debris from the clean air. The debris is retained in the separator 132 and falls into a debris collector 148 with the dust bin door 152 closed. The clean air passes through the separator 132 and through the shroud 133 and is exhausted from the vacuum assembly through the clean air outlet 130 and ultimately the vacuum exhaust port 220. Alternatively, the wand 112 and thus the foot 116 can be removed from the vacuum cleaner inlet 114 of the vacuum 104B to operate the vacuum 104B as a hand vacuum, similar to the hand vacuum 104A.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, in the docking station 100 in accordance with the second embodiment, the dock 108 includes a base 224 on which the foot is supported when the vacuum 104B is connected to the dock 108 and the vacuum 104B is fluidly connected to the dock 108. The base 224 of the dock 108 includes a plenum 228 in fluid communication with the outlet 176B of the blower duct and configured to be fluidly connected with the inlet nozzle 118 of the foot 116 such that when the blower 120 is operated, fluid flow from the blower 120 passes through, successively, the plenum 228, the foot 116, the wand 112, the separator dirty air inlet 124, the debris outlet 128 with the dust bin door 152 open, the return duct 180, and the exhaust opening 184. In one embodiment, the base 224 includes a seal 230 (FIG. 7) disposed to surround the inlet nozzle 118 when the foot 116 is seated on the base 224. The seal 230 directs airflow from the plenum 228 into the inlet nozzle 118 when the vacuum 104B is connected to the dock 108.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the vacuum 104B is configured to be connected to the dock 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum 104B engages the dock 108 with the foot 116 on the base 224 aligning the plenum 228 with the inlet nozzle 118. The debris outlet 128 of the vacuum 104B is aligned with and connects with the return duct inlet 180A. Upon connection of the vacuum 104B to the dock 108, the dust bin door 152 may be opened in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment. The seal 196 engages outer walls of the debris collector 148. As such, the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is configured to be coupled to the dock 108 with the vacuum cleaner separator 132 in fluid communication with the airflow outlet 176B of the dock 108 and the debris outlet 128 of the separator 132 in fluid communication with the dock debris collector 188 such that the airflow generated by the airflow source 120 of the dock 108 travels through the vacuum cleaner separator 132 and through the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 to blow debris out of the debris outlet 128 and into the dock debris collector 188. The blower 120 may be controlled in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a third embodiment of the docking station 100 in which the vacuum cleaner 104 is a vacuum 104C. The vacuum 104C has many common elements as described with respect to the vacuum 104B of the second embodiment described above and with reference to FIGS. 6-8. The vacuum 104C includes the foot 116 having the suction inlet nozzle 118 and a passageway 112′ between the suction inlet nozzle 118 and the separator 132. The passageway 112′ of the third embodiment is similar to the wand 112 of the second embodiment. The passageway 112′ is interchangeably named a wand 112′. The passageway 112′ has a valve 236 connectable to the dock 108. In the third embodiment, the passageway 112′ extends between the suction inlet nozzle 118 and the separator 132. Many features of the second embodiment of the docking station 100 apply equally to the third embodiment of the docking station 100. However, the third embodiment of the docking station 100 passes airflow into a valve 236 on the wand 112′. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 236 is disposed on the wand 112′. In other embodiments, the valve 236 may be provided in another airpath as desired for other vacuum cleaners, such as a passageway between the foot and the separator on an upright vacuum or any other desired arrangement cooperative with the docking station.

The wand 112′ of the vacuum cleaner 104C includes an aperture 232. The aperture 232 is located at an intermediate position between the first end 112′A and the second end 112′B of the wand 112′. The vacuum cleaner 104C further includes a valve 236. FIG. 11 illustrates the valve 236 in a closed position. The valve 236 in the closed position covers the aperture and airflow during operation of the vacuum 104C passes from the foot 116, through the wand 112′, and into the vacuum cleaner 104C. FIG. 12 illustrates the valve 236 in an open position with the aperture 232 aligned with the blower duct outlet 176B such that the blower duct 176 is in fluid communication with the aperture 232, and thus, the wand 112′ at the intermediate position between the first end 112′A and the second end 112′B of the wand 112′.

The valve 236 is movable between the open position (FIG. 12) and the closed position (FIG. 11). The valve includes a tab 240 positioned to engage a corresponding protrusion 244 on the dock housing 172 when the vacuum 104C is docked on the dock 108. The tab 240 engages the protrusion at a height corresponding to the valve 236 being in the open position when the vacuum 104C and the wand 112′ are fully docked. After the tab 240 engages the protrusion 244, continued movement of the vacuum 104C and wand 112′ into the docked position causes the valve 236 to slide axially along the wand 112′ from the closed position (FIG. 11) to the open position (FIG. 12). The valve 236 includes a valve aperture 246 configured to align with the aperture 232 of the wand 112′ in the open position (FIG. 12). As such, when the valve 236 is moved to the open position (FIG. 12), the blower outlet duct 176B is placed in fluid communication with the aperture 232. As such, in the third embodiment of the docking station 100, fluid passes to the vacuum 104C through only a portion of the wand 112′ between the aperture 232 and the second end 112B.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, a seal 248 is provided on the dock 108 disposed at the end of the blower duct outlet 176B. The seal 248 is configured to engage the valve 236 around the valve aperture 246 to direct airflow from the blower duct 176 into the valve aperture 246 and wand aperture 232. Referring to FIG. 10, the base 224 of this embodiment may include a blocking seal 254 disposed to engage the suction inlet nozzle 118 to inhibit airflow from exiting through the second wand end 112′B and through the nozzle 118. The blocking seal 254 thereby directs airflow entering the wand aperture 232 to be directed to the first wand end 112′A and the separator dirty air inlet 124. In one embodiment, the base 224 is shaped to cover the suction inlet nozzle 118.

The valve 236 may include a spring 252 connected between the wand 112′ and the valve 236 urging the valve 236 toward the closed position (FIG. 11). When the vacuum 104C and wand 112′ are undocked, the spring pulls the valve 236 to the closed position (FIG. 11). As illustrated in FIG. 10, the spring 252 may be covered by a spring cover 250 to protect the spring 252 from the environment.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the docking station 100 in which a vacuum cleaner separator 104D is removed from the vacuum cleaner 104 before engaging the dock 108, and airflow from the dock 108 is passed to the dirty air inlet 124 (FIG. 15) of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 to the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132.

In the fourth embodiment, the vacuum cleaner separator 104D (FIGS. 13-15) is configured for use in a vacuum cleaner (not shown), and is removable from the vacuum cleaner for emptying dirt and debris from the vacuum cleaner separator 104D with the dock 108. When attached to the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner separator 104D functions to separate dirty air from debris during operation of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner separator 104D includes the vacuum cleaner separator 132, and the vacuum cleaner separator 104D is attachable to the dock 108 to fluidly connect the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104D with the airflow outlet 176B and the debris end 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 with the dock debris collector 188.

As such, in the fourth embodiment, the blower duct 176 is configured to deliver air to the vacuum cleaner separator 104D through the dirty air inlet 124. When the vacuum cleaner separator 104D is removed from the vacuum and connected to the dock 108, the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is in fluid communication with the dock 108 such that the dirty air inlet 124 is connected with the outlet 176B of the blower duct 176 and the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is fluidly connected to the return duct 180. More specifically, the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is fluidly connected to the inlet end 180A of the return duct 180. When the vacuum cleaner separator 104D is fluidly connected to the dock 108 and the blower 120 is operated, fluid flow from the airflow source 120 passes debris from the debris collector 148 to the dock debris collector 188 and fluid passes through the exhaust opening 184.

In normal operation of the vacuum cleaner separator 104D when attached to a vacuum cleaner, the dirty air inlet 124 is an inlet configured to receive dirty air and debris, the vacuum separator 132 is configured to separate debris from the clean air, where the debris is retained in the separator 132 and falls into a debris collector 148 with the dust bin door 152 closed. The clean air passes through the separator 132 and through the shroud 133 and is exhausted from the vacuum assembly through the clean air outlet 130 and ultimately through a vacuum exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner. When the vacuum cleaner separator 104D separated from the vacuum cleaner and is attached to the dock 108, the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104D is directly fluidly connected to the outlet of the blower duct 176B such that when the blower 120 is operated, fluid flow from the blower 120 passes through the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104D towards the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104D with the dust bin door 152 open through the vacuum separator 132.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the fourth embodiment of the docking station 100 includes a first seal 196 and a second seal 258. The first seal 196 corresponds with the seal 196 of the first embodiment of the docking station 100. In other words, the first seal 196 is adjacent the inlet end 180A of the return duct 180, and is configured to circumscribe the inlet end 180A of the return duct 180 for engaging outer walls of the vacuum cleaner separator 104D. The second seal 258 is provided on the blower duct outlet 176B to engage the vacuum cleaner separator 104D around the dirty air inlet 124 to direct air from the blower duct 176 into the dirty air inlet 124.

Upon connection of the vacuum 104D to the dock 108, the dust bin door 152 may be opened by actuator 192 in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment. The seal 196 engages outer walls of the debris collector 148 and the second seal 258 engages around the dirty air inlet 124 such that the airflow generated by the airflow source 120 of the dock 108 travels through the vacuum cleaner separator 132 and through the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 to blow debris out of the debris outlet 128 and into the dock debris collector 188. The blower 120 may be controlled in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment.

In operation of the fourth embodiment of the docking station 100, airflow generated by the blower 120 passes through, successively, the blower duct 176, dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132, the vacuum separator 132, the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132, the return duct 180, and the exhaust opening 184.

FIGS. 16-19 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the docking station 100 in which a vacuum cleaner separator 104E is removed from the vacuum cleaner 104 before engaging the dock 108, and airflow is passed from the blower duct 180 into the vacuum cleaner separator 132 through what is the clean air outlet 130 during normal operation of the vacuum cleaner separator 104E. In the fifth embodiment, the dirty air inlet 124 that typically receives dirty air in normal operation of the vacuum cleaner separator 104E is sealed from the surroundings.

The vacuum cleaner separator 104E includes a pre-motor filter 256 disposed within or adjacent the clean air outlet 130 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132. In use in the vacuum cleaner of the fifth embodiment, the pre-motor filter 256 is configured to cleanse relatively clean environmental air of debris prior to contacting the impeller 140 of the vacuum cleaner (not shown). The pre-motor filter 256 has a dirty side (i.e., an upstream side) 256B and an opposite downstream side 256A. Debris collects at the dirty side 256B when the vacuum cleaner operates as air travels through the pre-motor filter 256 to the downstream side of the filter before contacting the impeller 140. The fifth embodiment of the docking station 100 relates to delivering air into the pre-motor filter 256 so that air enters the downstream side of the pre-motor filter 256, pushing dust and debris from the pre-motor filter 256, then into the separator 132 and ultimately into the dock debris collector 188. In other words, when the separator 132 is positioned in the dock 108, the pre-motor filter 256 is disposed between the blower tube outlet 176B of the docking station 100 and the vacuum separator 132 such that, when the vacuum cleaner separator 104E is connected to the dock 108 and the blower 120 is operated, air enters the downstream side 256A of the pre-motor filter 256, pushing debris from the pre-motor filter 256 into the debris collector 148 and into the dock debris collector 188.

In the fifth embodiment of the docking station system, as illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, the dock 108 includes a manifold 260 in fluid communication with the blower duct outlet 176B. The manifold 260 is formed within a lid 264 that is pivotably connected to the dock 108. The lid 264 is pivotable between an open position (FIGS. 16-17) in which the vacuum cleaner separator 104E is connectable to the dock 108, and a closed position (FIG. 18) in which the manifold 260 fluidly connects the blower duct outlet 176B with the clean air outlet 130 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104E.

Similar to the vacuum cleaner separator 104D fourth embodiment, the vacuum cleaner separator 104E is removable from a vacuum cleaner. During normal operation of the vacuum cleaner separator 104E when the separator is attached to the vacuum cleaner 104, the separator dirty air inlet 124 is an inlet configured to pass dirty air and debris from the environment to the separator 132. The separator 132 separates the debris from the clean air. The debris is retained in the separator 132 and falls into the debris collector 148 with the dust bin door closed. During normal operation of the vacuum cleaner separator 104E, the clean air outlet 130 exhausts clean air from the separator 132 to a vacuum exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner, and ultimately to the surroundings. The pre-motor filter 256 is configured to separate debris from the air prior to ejection to the surroundings. The opening formed by the open dust bin door 152 (illustrated with regards to the first embodiment in FIG. 3) forms the dust bin debris outlet 128 configured to exhaust debris from the vacuum cleaner. When the vacuum cleaner separator 104E is removed from the vacuum cleaner and attached to the dock, the downstream side 256A of the filter 256 and the clean air outlet 130 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104E are fluidly connected to the outlet of the blower duct 176B such that when the blower 120 is operated, fluid flow from the blower 120 passes through the pre-motor filter 256 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104E towards the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104E through the vacuum separator 132.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the fifth embodiment of the docking station 100 includes a first seal 196, a second seal 266, and a third seal 268. The first seal 196 is adjacent the inlet end 180A of the return duct 180 and is configured to circumscribe the inlet end 180A of the return duct 180 for engaging outer walls of the vacuum cleaner separator 104E. The second seal 266 is provided on the dock 108 to fluidly seal the dirty air inlet 124 from the surroundings (see FIG. 19) to inhibit airflow from exiting through the dirty air inlet 124. The third seal 268 is provided on the lid 264 around the manifold 260 to fluidly connect blower duct outlet 176B with the vacuum cleaner separator 104E around perimeter of the clean air outlet 130 and/or the perimeter of the pre-motor filter 256 to direct air from the blower duct 176 into the downstream side of the pre-motor filter 256A.

Upon connection of the vacuum 104E to the dock 108, the dust bin door 152 may be opened by actuator 192 in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment. The seal 196 engages outer walls of the debris collector 148 and the second seal 266 blocks the dirty air inlet 124 inhibiting airflow generated by the airflow source 120 of the dock 108 from passing out of the dirty air inlet 124. The user closes the lid 264 to engage the third seal 268 around the clean air outlet 130 and/or the filter 256 connecting the blower exhaust duct 176B to the vacuum cleaner separator 132. In operation of the fifth embodiment of the docking station system, airflow generated by the blower 120 passes through, successively, the blower duct 176, the downstream side 256A of the pre-motor filter 256 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132, the vacuum separator 132, the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132, the return duct 180, and the exhaust opening 184. The blower 120 may be controlled in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment.

Each of the embodiments of the docking station 100 include the dock 108 including the blower 120 which generates fluid flow which passes debris from the vacuum cleaner 104 to the dock debris collector 188. As previously mentioned, various other elements of the first embodiment of the docking station 100 may be applied to the other embodiments of the docking station 100. Other variations of the described and illustrated embodiments are possible.

Each of the vacuum cleaners 104 is movable between an in-use position (e.g., FIG. 2) decoupled from the dock 108 and a docked position (e.g., FIG. 3) coupled to the dock 108. In transitioning between the in-use position (FIG. 2) and the docked position (FIG. 3), a user grasping a handle 324 of the vacuum cleaner 104 (e.g., the vacuum cleaner 104A in FIGS. 2, 3) does not have to rotate the vacuum cleaner 104 about the longitudinal axis LA to couple the vacuum cleaner 104 to the dock 108. Accordingly, the user is relieved from having to twist the handle 324 to couple or decouple the vacuum cleaner 104 to or from the dock 108. Insertion and removal of the vacuum cleaner 104 to and from the dock 108 is simplified. Movement of the vacuum cleaner 104 to both insert and remove the vacuum cleaner 104 from the docket 108 are in directions similar to how the vacuum cleaner 104 is moved during normal operation. This configuration along with the vacuum contact 164 and the dock contact 212 can further simplify electrically coupling the vacuum cleaner 104 to the dock 108.

Each of the vacuum cleaner separators 132, 104D, 104E each defines a plurality of surfaces. Each of the vacuum cleaner separators 132, 104D, 104E defines a first sidewall 300 (i.e., a “surface”) configured to generally face a reference plane W when the vacuum 104 is moving in a forward direction. The reference plane W in the description and claims herein is defined to be a vertical plane of reference in front of a user as the user approaches the reference plane W along a direction perpendicular to the plane. The reference plane W may be, for example, a wall, an imaginary plane, or the like. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reference plane W may extend transverse to the surface S. More specifically, the reference plane W may be perpendicular to the surface S. As used here, the reference plane W may be behind the dock 108 as a frame of reference as a user approaches the dock 108 with a separator to connect to the dock. The dock 108 is configured to have a docking side, which is a side toward which a user is or may be positioned while coupling the vacuum 104 to the dock 108. The docking side, and as such the user, is positioned on the opposite side of the dock 108 from the reference plane W during docking. The first sidewall 300 of the vacuum 104 is a surface that faces the docking side and the reference plane W when in the docked position (FIG. 3). The first sidewall 300 would also be oriented toward the reference plane W when the vacuum 104 is used during normal vacuuming operation as the user approaches the reference plane W. The first sidewall 300 also faces in a direction away from the user and generally away from the floor S in a normal in-use vacuuming position (not shown). The vacuum 104 connects to the dock 108 with the first sidewall 300 facing the docking side and facing the reference plane W. That is, the user simply sets the vacuum 104 onto to dock 108 in much the same way as the user moves the vacuum 104 during in-use normal vacuuming operation.

Each of the vacuum cleaner separators 132, 104D, 104E further defines a second sidewall 304 opposite the first sidewall 300. The second sidewall 304 faces toward a user of the docking station 100 in the docked position (FIG. 3) when the user is positioned on the docking side, or the opposite side of the dock 108 from the reference plane W. The second sidewall 304 also faces in a direction toward the user and generally toward the floor S in a normal in-use vacuuming position (not shown).

Each of the vacuum cleaner separators 132, 104D, 104E further defines a top end 308 and an opposite bottom end 312 supported on the dock 108 when the separator 132, 104D, 104E is coupled to the docking station 100. The separators 132, 104D, 104E each further defines a first lateral sidewall 316 generally corresponding with a left side of the separator 132, 104D, 104E and an opposite second lateral sidewall 320 generally corresponding with a right side of the separator 132, 104D, 104E.

Finally, the vacuum cleaners 104A, 104B each include the handle 324. The handle 324 includes a first end 324 a and an opposite second end 324 b oriented for a user to grasp the handle 324 in a normal grasping position to maneuver the vacuum cleaner 104A, 104B during use. The normal grasping position in the description and claims herein is defined to be a user grasping the handle with the user's index finger IF closer to the first end 324 a of the handle 324 and the user's little (i.e., pinky) finger LF closer to the second end 324 b of the handle 324. A user grasps the handle 324 of the vacuum cleaner 104 (e.g., the vacuum cleaner 104A in FIGS. 2, 3) in the normal grasping position to transition between the docked position (FIG. 3 and the in-use position (FIG. 2), and does not have to rotate the vacuum cleaner 104 about the longitudinal axis LA to couple the vacuum cleaner 104 to the dock 108. In the illustrated embodiments, the handle 324 is located adjacent the top end 308 of the separator 132. In the illustrated embodiments, the battery 144 is located adjacent the handle 324 and the second sidewall 304. Accordingly, when in both the normal in-use vacuuming position and the docked position (FIG. 3), the battery 144 is positioned adjacent the user and between the user and the reference plane W. Other location of the handle 324 and the battery 144 are possible as desired for the application.

The dock 108 also defines a plurality of surfaces. The dock 108 defines a first sidewall 400 configured to face the reference plane W. The dock further defines a second sidewall 404 opposite the first sidewall 400. The second sidewall 404 is the docking side configured to face a user during docking. The dock 108 further defines a top end 408 and an opposite bottom end 412 supported on a surface S. The surface S is a floor or floor surface cleaned by the vacuum cleaner 104. The dock 108 further defines a first lateral sidewall 416 generally corresponding with a left side of the dock 108 and an opposite second lateral sidewall 420 generally corresponding with a right side of the dock 108.

In regular use of the separators 132, 104D, 104E, the separator 132, 104D, 104E assembled as a vacuum cleaner is advanced at least partially in an advancing direction extending away, typically forwardly, from the first sidewall 300 thereof. In regular use of the separators 132, 104D, 104E, the separator 132, 104D, 104E as a vacuum cleaner is retreated at least partially in a retreating direction extending away, typically rearwardly, from the second sidewall 304 thereof. In regular use of the vacuum 104A, 104B, the user grasps the handle 324 to maneuver the vacuum 104A, 104B in the advancing and retreating directions across a surface to be cleaned, or to move the vacuum to desired locations.

While the separator 132, 104D, 104E is coupled to the dock 108, the separator 132, 104D, 104E approaches the dock 108 with a first sidewall 300 of the separator 132, 104D, 104E facing the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108. In one embodiment, the bottom end 312 is coupled to the top end 408 of the dock 108. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the vacuum 104A houses the separator 132, and the vacuum 104A is translated along arrow A1 to couple the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum 104A in fluid communication with the return duct inlet 180A of the dock 108. Accordingly, the fluid flow path from the blower 120 can pass through the separator 132, 140D, 104E as described above. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the direction of insertion along arrow A1 extends along the longitudinal axis LA through the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 3 illustrates the position in which the vacuum 104A is coupled to the dock 108. In this position, the first sidewall 300 of the separator 132 is adjacent the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108 and the second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 is adjacent the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first sidewall 300 of the separator 132 (a component of the vacuum 104A) faces the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108. The second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 (a component of the vacuum 104A) faces the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108. Accordingly, the second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 is configured to face the user (e.g., where the user is positioned to the left of the dock 108, the vacuum 104A, and the separator 132 as viewed in FIG. 3) when the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is coupled to the dock 108. In coupling the vacuum 104A including the separator 132 to the dock 108, neither the vacuum 104A nor the separator 132 was rotated about the arrow A1 and longitudinal axis LA. Rather, the separator 132 is aligned with the dock 108, and is translated along the arrow A1. Accordingly, a user can grasp the handle 324 during both regular operation of the vacuum 104A, 104B and during docking of the vacuum 104A, 104B onto the dock 108. This eliminates the need for a user to twist the vacuum 104A, 104B, or the separator 104D, 104E prior to coupling the vacuum 104A, 104B, or the separator 104D, 104E to the dock 108. Similarly, when the vacuum 104A, 104B is uncoupled from the dock, the vacuum is oriented with the first sidewall 300 facing away from the user as in the use orientation eliminating the need for a user to twist and re-orient the vacuum 104A, 104B prior to using the vacuum.

Components of the vacuum 104A face certain surfaces of the separator 132. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the battery 144 faces the second sidewall 304. Accordingly, the battery 144 is spaced from the reference plane W and is readily accessible to a user when the vacuum 104A is coupled to the dock. The battery 144 may face a user in both the in-use position (FIG. 2) as well as the docked position (FIG. 3). With this location of the battery 144, the battery 144 may be selectively coupled to the vacuum 104A by a user positioned adjacent the second sidewall 304 without requiring the user to reach over or around the vacuum 104A. Accordingly, the battery 144 is more accessible to a user in the docked position (FIG. 3) of the vacuum 104A.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the handle 324 of the vacuum 104A extends in a direction between the first end of the separator 132 and the second end of the separator 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 324 is angled and extends at least partially in a direction between the top end 308 and the bottom end 312. The handle 324 permits a user to connect or disconnect the vacuum cleaner 104A from the dock 108 by moving the vacuum cleaner 104A along the axis A1. The handle permits the user to connect or disconnect the vacuum cleaner 104A from the dock 108 with the first sidewall 300 facing away from the user as in the use orientation, without requiring rotation of the vacuum cleaner 104A about the longitudinal axis LA or the arrow A1.

Components of the dock 108 face certain surfaces of the dock 108. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the blower duct 176, and the airflow outlet 176B thereof are positioned adjacent the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108. The exhaust opening 184, which is downstream of the dock debris collector 188, is positioned adjacent the first sidewall 400 of the dock. The blower 120 is positioned adjacent both the first sidewall 400 and the bottom end 412 of the dock 108. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the battery 144 may be separable from the vacuum 104B and coupled to the dock 108 adjacent both the second lateral sidewall 420 and the top end 408 of the dock 108. Other positions of the airflow outlet 176B, the exhaust opening 184, the blower 120, and the battery 144 are possible.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the vacuum 104B is supported upon the dock 108 with the foot 116 resting upon the base 224. The base 224 is located adjacent the bottom end 412 of the dock 108, and is supported upon the surface S. Turning to FIG. 7, the wans 112 is adjacent the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108.

The various embodiments of vacuums 104A-104C and vacuum separators 104D-104E have different locations of vacuum cleaner inlets 114 and separator inlets 124. In the vacuums 104A-104C and the vacuum separator 104D, the separator inlet 124 is adjacent the second sidewall 304 of the separators 132, 104D. As illustrated in FIG. 19, when the vacuum separator 104E is coupled to the base 108, the airflow outlet 176B and the separator inlet 124 are each adjacent the top end 308 of the separator 104E. The suction inlet 114 may be positioned on the body 106 of the vacuums 104A-104C. In other embodiments, the vacuum cleaner separator 104D-104E may include the suction inlet 114. Positioning of the suction inlet 114 varies as desired for the application.

The various embodiments of vacuums 104A-104C and vacuum separators 104D, 104E have different locations of debris outlets 128. In the vacuums 104A-104C, the debris outlets 128 are adjacent the first sidewall 300 of the separator 132. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, in these embodiments, the airflow outlet 176B is positioned adjacent the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108, and faces the top end 408 of the dock 108.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 19, in the vacuum separators 104D, 104E, the debris outlets 128 are adjacent the second sidewall 304 of the separators 104D, 104E. In these embodiments, the blower duct 176 is adjacent the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the air outflow outlet 176B is adjacent the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108, and extends towards the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the airflow outlet 176B of the duct 176 is positioned adjacent the top end 408 of the dock 108, and faces the bottom end 412 of the dock 108. Other locations of the debris outlets 128 and blower duct 176 are possible.

FIG. 15 illustrates the position in which the separator 132 is coupled to the dock 108. In this position, the first sidewall 300 of the separator 132 is adjacent the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108 and the second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 is adjacent the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the first sidewall 300 of the separator 132 faces the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108. The second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 faces the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108. Accordingly, the second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 is configured to face the user (e.g., where the user is positioned to the right of the dock 108, the vacuum 104A, and the separator 132 as viewed in FIG. 15) when the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is coupled to the dock 108.

One or more independent features and/or advantages of the invention may be set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vacuum cleaner docking station comprising: a vacuum cleaner separator, the vacuum cleaner separator operable to separate debris from a suction airflow, the vacuum cleaner separator including a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, and a debris collector having a debris outlet; a dock, the vacuum cleaner separator removably coupled to the dock, the dock including, an airflow source operable to generate an airflow, an airflow outlet in fluid communication with the airflow source such that the airflow generated by the airflow source is discharged from the airflow source through the airflow outlet, a dock debris collector, wherein the vacuum cleaner separator is configured to be coupled to the dock with the vacuum cleaner separator in fluid communication with the airflow outlet of the dock and the debris outlet of the vacuum cleaner separator in fluid communication with the dock debris collector such that the airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the vacuum cleaner separator and through the debris outlet of the vacuum cleaner separator to blow debris out of the debris outlet and into the dock debris collector.
 2. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 1, further comprising a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner including, a body, the vacuum cleaner separator coupled to the body the body or the vacuum cleaner separator including a vacuum suction inlet, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet and the vacuum cleaner separator, the suction source operable to generate the suction airflow through the suction inlet to draw debris from a surface being cleaned into the vacuum cleaner separator through the dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner separator.
 3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein the suction inlet is removably coupled to the airflow outlet of the dock such that airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the suction inlet of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner separator is coupled to the dock.
 4. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 2, wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises a wand and a foot, the wand pivotally coupled to the foot, the foot including a foot suction inlet, and the wand provides fluid communication between the foot suction inlet and the vacuum suction inlet, wherein the foot suction inlet is removably coupled to the airflow outlet of the dock such that airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the foot suction inlet, the wand, and the suction inlet of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner separator is coupled to the dock.
 5. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 2, wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises a wand and a foot, the wand pivotally coupled to the foot, the foot including a foot suction inlet, and the wand provides fluid communication between the foot suction inlet and the vacuum suction inlet, wherein the wand includes an aperture, wherein the wand aperture is removably coupled to the airflow outlet of the dock such that airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the aperture, the wand, and the separator when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock.
 6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 5, wherein the wand includes a valve movable between an open position to open the aperture and a closed position to close the aperture, and wherein the valve of the wand is biased toward the closed position.
 7. The vacuum cleaner docking station according to claim 2, wherein the vacuum includes a foot having a suction inlet nozzle and a passageway between the suction inlet nozzle and the separator, wherein the passageway has a valve connectable to the airflow outlet of the dock such that airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the valve, the passageway, and the separator when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock.
 8. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 2, wherein the vacuum cleaner separator is uncoupled from the body of the vacuum cleaner in order to couple the vacuum cleaner separator to the dock such that the dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner separator is coupled to the airflow outlet of the dock so that the airflow generated by the airflow source travels from the airflow outlet of the dock and through the dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner separator.
 9. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 2, wherein the vacuum cleaner separator is uncoupled from the body of the vacuum cleaner in order to couple the vacuum cleaner separator to the dock such that the clean air outlet of the vacuum cleaner separator is coupled to the airflow outlet of the dock so that the airflow generated by the airflow source travels from the airflow outlet of the dock and through the clean air outlet of the vacuum cleaner separator.
 10. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 9, wherein the vacuum cleaner separator includes a filter having a downstream side and a dirty side, wherein the airflow generated by the airflow source travels through the filter in the direction from the downstream side to the dirty side pushing dust and debris from the filter before passing through the debris outlet of the vacuum cleaner separator.
 11. The vacuum cleaner docking station according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner separator includes a door that moves between an open position to open the debris outlet and a closed position to close the debris outlet, and wherein the door is automatically opened when the vacuum cleaner separator is coupled to the dock.
 12. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 11, wherein the vacuum cleaner separator includes a latch that retains the door in the closed position, wherein either the dock or the vacuum cleaner separator includes an actuator that operates the latch to allow the door to move to the open position when the vacuum cleaner separator is coupled to the dock.
 13. The vacuum cleaner docking station according to claim 1, wherein the dock debris collector includes a filter bag.
 14. The vacuum cleaner docking station according to claim 1, wherein the dock includes a return duct in fluid communication with the dock debris collector, wherein the vacuum cleaner separator is received in the return duct when the vacuum cleaner separator is coupled to the dock such that debris travels out of the debris outlet, through the return duct, and into the dock debris collector.
 15. The vacuum cleaner of the docking station of claim 14, wherein the return duct includes a seal that seals against the vacuum cleaner separator.
 16. The vacuum cleaner of the docking station according to claim 1, wherein the airflow source includes a motor and a fan.
 17. The vacuum cleaner docking station according to claim 1, wherein the dock includes a sensor operable to determine a characteristic regarding the vacuum cleaner docking station and to send a signal to a dock controller, the dock controller being operable to operate the airflow source in accordance with the signal.
 18. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 17, wherein the sensor is operable to determine whether the vacuum cleaner separator is attached to the dock, and the dock controller operates the airflow source based on the attachment of the vacuum cleaner separator to the dock.
 19. The vacuum cleaner docking station according to claim 17, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the airflow source, the pressure sensor operable to sense a pressure of fluid from the airflow source, and the dock controller operates the airflow source in accordance with the pressure.
 20. The vacuum cleaner docking station according to claim 17, wherein the vacuum cleaner separator further includes an identifier indicative of a characteristic of the vacuum cleaner separator, the sensor is operable to sense the identifier, and the dock controller operates the airflow source in accordance with the identifier.
 21. The vacuum cleaner docking station according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner separator includes a vacuum contact and the dock includes a dock contact, wherein when the vacuum cleaner separator is connected to the dock, the vacuum contact and the dock contact are electrically connected and operable to transfer electricity between the vacuum cleaner separator and the dock.
 22. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 21, wherein the vacuum cleaner separator includes a vacuum controller and the dock includes a dock controller, wherein when the vacuum cleaner separator is connected to the dock and the vacuum contact is electrically connected to the dock contact, the vacuum controller sends a signal to the dock controller through the vacuum contact and the dock contact indicative of a characteristic of the vacuum cleaner separator.
 23. The vacuum cleaner docking station according to claim 21, wherein the dock is configured to receive and charge a battery separate from the vacuum cleaner.
 24. A vacuum cleaner docking station operated by a user, the vacuum cleaner docking station comprising: a vacuum cleaner operable to separate debris from a suction airflow, the vacuum cleaner including, a first sidewall that faces in a direction away from the user in a normal in-use vacuuming position of the vacuum cleaner, a second sidewall that faces in a direction toward the user in the normal in-use vacuuming position of the vacuum cleaner, and a debris collector having a debris outlet; and a dock configured to receive and store the vacuum cleaner in a docked position, the dock including a dock debris collector, and in the docked position the dock is configured to selectively couple the dock debris collector and the debris collector of the vacuum cleaner such that the dock debris collector receives debris separated by the vacuum cleaner from the debris outlet of the debris collector of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock; wherein the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock by the user with the second sidewall facing in a direction toward the user and the first side wall faces in a direction away from the user.
 25. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 24, wherein in the normal in-use vacuuming position, the second sidewall faces away from a reference plane and in the docked position, the second sidewall also faces away from the reference plane.
 26. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 24, wherein the vacuum cleaner is moved to the docked position by the user without rotating the second sidewall away from the user.
 27. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 24, wherein the vacuum cleaner includes a handle that is configured to be used by the user to move the vacuum cleaner into the docked position and also to move the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is being used in the normal in-use vacuuming position.
 28. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 27, wherein the handle is used to move the vacuum cleaner to the docked position by the user without rotating the second sidewall away from the user.
 29. The vacuum cleaner of claim 24, wherein the vacuum cleaner includes a battery, wherein the battery is adjacent the second sidewall.
 30. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 29, wherein the vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum contact, the dock includes a dock contact, and when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock in the docked position, the vacuum contact is electrically coupled to the dock contact to charge the battery.
 31. A vacuum cleaner docking station comprising: a vacuum cleaner separator, the vacuum cleaner separator operable to separate debris from a suction airflow, the vacuum cleaner separator having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall; a dock, the vacuum cleaner separator removably coupled to the dock, the dock including, a first sidewall configured to face a reference plane, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, wherein in regular use of the vacuum cleaner separator, the vacuum cleaner separator is advanced in an advancing direction extending away from the first sidewall of the vacuum cleaner separator; and wherein the vacuum cleaner separator is configured to be coupled to the dock with the vacuum cleaner separator in fluid communication with the dock and with the second sidewall of the vacuum cleaner separator facing the second sidewall of the dock and with the second sidewall of the vacuum cleaner separator facing away from the reference plane.
 32. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 31, wherein the vacuum cleaner separator further includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, a debris collector having a debris outlet, the dock further includes an airflow source operable to generate an airflow, an airflow outlet in fluid communication with the airflow source such that the airflow generated by the airflow source is discharged from the airflow source through the airflow outlet, a dock debris collector, and wherein the vacuum cleaner separator is configured to be coupled to the dock with the vacuum cleaner separator in fluid communication with the airflow outlet of the dock and the debris outlet of the vacuum cleaner separator in fluid communication with the dock debris collector such that the airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the vacuum cleaner separator and through the debris outlet of the vacuum cleaner separator to blow debris out of the debris out of the debris outlet and into the dock debris collector.
 33. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 31, further comprising a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner including, a body, the vacuum cleaner separator coupled to the body a suction inlet, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet and the vacuum cleaner separator, the suction source operable to generate suction airflow through the suction inlet to draw debris from a surface being cleaned into the vacuum cleaner separator.
 34. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 33, wherein the suction source is powered by a battery and the battery is coupled to the body, when the vacuum cleaner separator is coupled to the dock the battery of the vacuum cleaner is adjacent the second sidewall of the dock.
 35. The vacuum cleaner docking station according of claim 34, wherein the vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum contact and the dock includes a dock contact, and wherein when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the dock, the vacuum contact and the dock contact are electrically connected and operable to transfer electricity between the vacuum cleaner separator and the dock.
 36. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 33, wherein the body further includes a handle configured for a user to grasp the handle during regular use of the vacuum cleaner separator and the handle configured for a user to couple the vacuum cleaner separator to the dock.
 37. The vacuum cleaner docking station of claim 33, wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises a wand and a foot, the wand pivotally coupled to the foot, the foot including a foot suction inlet, and the wand provides fluid communication between the foot suction inlet and the suction inlet of the body, wherein the foot suction inlet is removably coupled to the airflow outlet of the dock such that airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the foot suction inlet, the wand, and the suction inlet of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner separator is coupled to the dock. 